Joetta Clark Diggs to Speak at Anniversary Celebration

YWCA Bethlehem’s 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 17 at Saucon Valley Country Club. The luncheon will highlight the agency’s accomplishments through nine decades of social change for civil rights and women’s empowerment. Highmark, B. Braun and Crayola are sponsoring the milestone event.

YWCA Bethlehem will present three community awards and welcome four new members to its Board of Directors. YWCA Program Aide Anna Holmes and Girls Golf Coordinator Christina Smale will receive ten-year service awards. Annette Sojorti Rodger, a B. Braun employee, will recall her memories of attending YWCA programs in the 1970’s at the organization’s Mechanic Street location in South Bethlehem. Jordyn Kenzie, the 16-year-old singer songwriter who was named Outstanding Female Artist at the 2017 Lehigh Valley Music Awards, will share her unique, soulful sound. Four-time Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs will deliver a keynote address.

Joetta Clark Diggs has made an indelible impact in sports and business. In her legendary 24-year elite career as a half-mile runner, Clark Diggs represented the United States of America at the 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Clark Diggs is a University of Tennessee graduate who has also made her contribution to society as an inspiring motivational speaker, respected businesswoman, critically acclaimed author, noted television/radio personality and an advocate for health and fitness initiatives. She is the author of Joetta’s “P” Principles for Success: “Life Lessons Learned from Track & Field,” president of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC and the executive director of the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation, Inc.

VISION AWARD: Charles Everett, Jr. and Karen Shoemaker

For the first time in our 90 year history, YWCA Bethlehem is presenting a highly prestigious VISION AWARD. The YWCA Bethlehem’s vision is to create a world that works for everyone. Charles Everett, Jr., Executive Director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority and Karen Shoemaker, Executive Director of The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties will share the award for their Wings For All program. Wings For All helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities learn how to access travel by airplane, through a “dress rehearsal” that takes them through all the steps involved with boarding and departing a plane. Over 100

people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both children and adults, and their families, participated in the program. Wings for All embodies YWCA Bethlehem’s vision of a world that works for everyone, ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can access air travel safely and confidently.

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT AWARD: Shelley Brown

The Women’s Empowerment Award is presented to a community leader who has made an impact on the lives of women or girls. Shelley’s leadership as Executive Director of the State Theatre has allowed YWCA Bethlehem’s Annual Prom Dress Day to flourish into a signature event that helps teens from over 40 local high schools afford a beautiful and memorable prom. Shelley and her staff ensure that YWCA has everything it needs to transform the State’s Acopian Ballroom into a beautiful “Boutique for a Day” and make Prom Dress Day a fun and elegant event for nearly 200 girls each year.

FUNDRAISING FOR A CAUSE AWARD: Sarah Trimmer

This first-time Fundraising for a Cause Award is presented to a community member in recognition of their commitment to YWCA Bethlehem’s mission through personal fundraising efforts. Sarah Trimmer joined YWCA’s Board of Directors in 2016 with a special interest in women’s health and wellness. Already known in local circles for her interest in promoting breast cancer awareness, Sarah knew she wanted to get involved with YWCA’s Breast Health Education Program which helps underserved women understand the importance of early detection. Sarah planned a special happy hour event at Two Rivers Brewing Company in March that drew dozens of Easton area residents, including many who did not have a previous connection with YWCA Bethlehem. Sarah’s efforts helped publicize our women’s wellness programs, and YWCA received a portion of the drink sales as a donation to support upcoming Breast Health Workshops.

Attendance at the Annual Meeting is open to the public by reservation only. Register online by August 9. Tickets are $90 per person, or a Table for Eight is available for $630. A special Contributor Sponsorship of $250 and includes recognition and one admission to the event. Saucon Valley Country Club is located at 2050 Saucon Valley Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 18015. For more information, please contact YWCA Bethlehem at 610-867-4669 x101.